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Monday, November 6, 2017

This summer I managed to do a long-desired photo shoot of my beautiful daughters- just the two of them, together (without their brothers). Based on the date of the photos, I did this when my new baby boy was just 10 days old (maybe that's why I have very little memory of the actual session?)- which really makes me question my own sanity. All that being said, I am so glad I took the time to do it. I'm sure it was inconvenient and I know there was crying (I have photographic proof), but those unpleasantries are long over and I am left with these lovely photos of my girls!

Special thanks go to my Mom for the girls' wardrobe, and to my husband for undoubtedly holding down the fort while I did this. All photos were taken in our backyard. I hope it's the first of many sister-sessions in the years to come!

I hope you enjoyed those shots and were inspired to take pictures of your children- even when you're too busy! Or you could hire me to do it... ;)

Sunday, October 15, 2017

Some of you may remember the adorable little girl with the inspirational backstory whom I photographed last summer. In my session-wrap post I wrote that I hoped to be photographing her for years to come. Well, it looks like I was given at least one more year of that distinct honor, and I am happy to bring some highlights of that shoot to you all today.

Once again, we had lovely weather to work with (though, mercifully, not so hot), and once again Mair's Mama brought some adorable outfits for her little lady to wear. For a dynamic prop we even used bubbles- a definite winner with the toddler set!

(Speaking of toddlers, I was reminded once again why I really love photographing little ones this age. They are so busy, sometimes obstinate, but full of wonder and delight at simple fun (bubbles, peek-a-boo, story books, flowers). The little years are fleeting and they seem to go by in a blur, but pointing the camera toward the blur sometimes yields marvelous results!)

Pop!

Bubbles and sunshine... I love it!

What a beautiful smile!

It is such a blessing to me to watch this little girl grow. I hope you feel the same when you see these little glimpses of this sweet and precious girl!

Wednesday, September 27, 2017

This summer marked my fifth photo shoot with some of my favorite clients, who also happen to be dear friends: the Turner Family. Each time I've photographed them, I've thought they just couldn't get any more more endearing and photographically-likeable (a term I'm coining right now to describe that feeling you get when you see strangers in a photo and think to yourself, "I would like to hang out with them. They look like good people."). With their maternity shoot last spring, they really upped the ante, and when their beautiful daughter was born, it was clear that things were just going to keep getting cuter at the Turner household.

So when I was called upon to do a family session for the Turners this summer, with their newly one-year-old daughter, I was already excited for the end result. True to form, the Turners gave me excellent material to work with on our photo shoot day. Of course, all that means is that an already loving family did all their normal loving stuff- just while wearing especially nice outfits, at a beautiful state park, at the "golden hour" of the afternoon, with me around to photograph them.

For a nice nod to their maternity shoot, we chose the same location and many of the same specific areas of the park to shoot in, and we brought along the same beautiful vintage chair. And like that session, the love this family has for each other shone through and lit up every photo. (Even more than that beautiful golden sunlight. Which is really saying a lot, because... man- that sunlight is amazing!)

The light in these first 3 shots is incredible. I toned down the warmth and its still so golden!

What a blessed little girl!

That sweet little rocking chair is a family heirloom of theirs. I love working those kinds of props in to the shoot!

That chair is back! And so versatile!

See what I mean about the love?

Double click to open this photo larger and you'll see that cute little nose-scrunch smile up close!

This is my favorite photo of the whole shoot!

This was one of those unexpected shots that I ended up really liking. It's fun to capture the curiosity of small children on camera!

As always, I love the way these Turner shoots turn out! I hope you all do, too!

Saturday, June 17, 2017

I recently had the opportunity to photograph the Simmons family- a lovely bunch with five beautiful and energetic children! We decided on Fort Steilacoom Park for our session (which you may find familiar since I did the Hayman family's shoot there recently as well!).

What a beautiful and versatile location it is. With the old farm buildings and the interestingly-shaped trees, we found plenty of natural props for the kids to play on and around. This family has so much fun together, and so much love for each other, it was a privilege just to be there capturing the magic with my camera! Scroll down and click on the individual photos to see for yourself. The Simmons clan is definitely one big happy family!

This might be one of my all-time favorite photos. Unorthodox posing, but truly a special shot!

Brothers photo!

You all know I am a sucker for the sweet Mom & Dad shot!

Sometimes at the end of a session, tickling is the best bet for a good smile!

Just in time for Father's Day- the Father & Sons shot!

See? Aren't they just such an adorable group? These little ones definitely don't lack any fun or love in their lives. I'm so glad I had the chance to photograph them!

Wednesday, May 24, 2017

It's hard to believe that the last time I did an official family portrait session for the Miller family was in 2015! A lot has happened in their lives since then, and the photos below may give you a bit of a hint as to the most obvious change...

That's right- they had a baby boy! That sweet and lively boy is now one year old, so we thought it would be the perfect time to photo-document this new season of their family life. As is our custom, we went to Blueberry Park in Tacoma, which is beautiful all year round. This time of year, the bushes are all in full blossom- with millions of little white flowers promising a fruitful summertime harvest of berries. We also chose to do our session after dinner time, when the light was at its best- dreamy and yellow and bright.

As I have become accustomed to with the Miller family, the session turned out beautifully. The love they all have for each other was easy to see (and capture), and the new element of sibling interaction was fun to photograph as well. Just scroll down through the photos below and see for yourself! (Click on any individual photo to view it larger.)

Aren't those pictures just a breath of fresh air? I don't know if it's the colors, the light, or the subjects, but these photos make me smile. I hope they had the same effect on you!

Thursday, May 4, 2017

As I've said before, repeat clients are my favorite types of clients! The Hayman family is a perfect example. Back in the fall of 2011, they were the winners of my "free photo shoot giveaway," which they cashed in on the following spring. Since that first photo session, I've done two newborn shoots and two family shoots for them, and each one has been more fun than the last.

About a month ago, they drove about 2.5 hours up to Tacoma to meet me for their most recent session- a mini family shoot at Fort Steilacoom Park. The weather was beautiful, the park was charming, and the Hayman girls were full of energy and smiles for me. It was a perfect combination! Scroll down to see a glimpse of our lovely afternoon in Steilacoom:

(As always you can click on an individual photo to see it larger.)

Ahh, the sweet love of sisters. Intermittent, but precious! ;)

These old barns at Fort Steilacoom make excellent backdrops!

Cherry blossoms make excellent props, don't they?

If you know the Haymans, you know how appropriate this photo is. They are busy, but they're all in it together, and they're teaching their girls how to be healthy and active!

See? Don't those photos just make you smile? I can't wait to see how adorable the Haymans will be the next time I photograph them! Thanks for looking, and have a great weekend!

About Me

Hi, I'm Kathryn, the owner of Camellia Images and the smitten Mama of Milo, my brainy boy, and Enora, my smiley girl. Before they came along, Camellia Images was my baby. Now that I have two real babies, I have the honor of caring for all three- that's where the fun begins!
Join me as I photograph kids and families- both my own, and others'! I'm honored to capture the memories, joys, and milestones of families big and small.

So, you want to know more about Camellia Images?

I started Camellia Images in honor of my Grandmother, Camille, a small-time poet and entrepreneur in the 1950’s and 60’s. Even though she lived in the bustling heart of Southern California, her art reflected the earthy wisdom of the central plains of her youth. She pursued her dream with strength and diligence, and left behind much more than just a handful of beautiful poems. It is my goal today to carry on that tradition of creative vision and persistence through photography in all its forms. Through Camellia Images, I provide professional photography services as beautiful as they are memorable at a cost that's fair and affordable. My photos don’t just document a day in history, but reflect the style and personality of my clients.